Adam was diagnosed with cystic fibrosis when he was three-and-a-half months old. It is a genetic illness which affects major organs, most critically the lungs.

Iris said: “He has been in and out of hospital throughout his life. We nearly lost him when he was about 17 but he battled on. He would never let us know how much he was suffering - right up until till the end.”

Adam’s family say Nicola, who he had been with for four years, was his “rock”.

Nicola, a nurse at Middlesbrough’s James Cook University Hospital, said: “He was a special person and always wanted the best in life.

“He always wore the smartest clothes and went to the nicest places. He didn’t take life too seriously, he just wanted to enjoy it as much as he could. He really is an inspiration to us and to other cystic fibrosis sufferers.”

Adam was a huge animal lover and over the years had a large number of pets including a snake, parrot, tortoise, and dogs.

He also enjoyed fishing and going out with his friends.

Dad Barry said: “He was a very proud person. None of us knew the pain he went through.

“He had a good life though. When he was eight we went to Disneyland in Florida thanks to the Dream Foundation. He loved that and enjoyed every minute.

“Even before his death he went on holiday to Spain with Nicola which he enjoyed. He never wanted to miss out.”

Adam’s mum Marion said she has been left “heartbroken”. She said: “Adam and I had a special bond. A mother-son bond which I will never forget. And we are so grateful to Nicola. She kept him alive these past four months. He felt safe and happy with her.”

Last year his family took part in a fundraising walk to raise money for a special vest for Adam which would help him breathe. In total £8,150 was raised - £7,000 was spent on the vest and the rest was given to the Cleveland branch of the Cystic Fibrosis Fund. His family plans to give the vest to another cystic fibrosis sufferer.

Hundreds of people are expected to turn up for Adam’s funeral which takes place tomorrow at 1pm at St John’s Church in Normanby Road. Katie said: “He was really popular and the amount of messages and cards we have received is overwhelming.”